Craig Edwards
UKC Forum Member
Registered: Jul 2004
Location: Mt.Airy, N.C.
Posts: 3152 |
I've hunted a long time, and I strongly believe that independence is bred into a dog. If it's not in her, you'll have a hard time getting it out. You can't develop what they don't have. As far as going is concerned, much of that is in their genes too. Take her for walks through the woods in the daytime. Get your pup used to the different smells in the woods. The desire to hunt, and look for game is bred into them, but it is a trait that you can encourage. When she is big enough you could release a coon in front of her. Release it in a field if possible, so it won't climb a tree without leaving a trail. I have found if a pup has the right genes, they just need to be exposed to the game, and task at hand. There's a lot of things you can teach her to do like, come, heel, sit, load, lead, and what "NO" means , ect. You will have to teach her to do these things. If you plan on showing her, you can be teaching her to stand on the bench right now. There's a lot of things you can do right now, while other things depend on her natural abilities. For example, you can't teach a dog to cold trail, drift a track, go hunting, split tree, tree lay-ups, and many other characteristics that must be bred into them. Be patient, don't expect too much too soon. You will be better off starting her alone than starting her with the wrong dog. I am no expert by any means. I do have a heart for those who are getting started. Coon hunting is a great sport, and you will make some lifetime friends through your dogs, plus, they can bring you hours and hours of pleasure. There are guys on here that know much more than I do, but one thing for sure, no matter how she is bred, and how many natural instincts are bred into her, she will not make a dog sitting in the pen. You have to hunt them!!!!
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Last edited by Craig Edwards on 09-15-2016 at 05:37 PM
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